My Deepest Need

by Ralph I. Tilley

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." — Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

What is my deepest need
When I kneel to pray;
Is it for temporal goods—
For vessel made of clay?

It's true, the Master taught
I am to ask for bread,
And should illness be my lot—
Have elders anoint my head.

Nothing is ever too small
To escape my Father's care.
Reluctant I should not be,
All to take to Him in prayer.

But what is my deepest need
When I kneel to pray;
Is it for temporal goods—
For vessel made of clay?

Is not my deepest need
When bowing low in prayer,
To confess my need for mercy,
Since debts are always there?

Should any child of God presume—
"Perfection is now complete;
I always hit the mark of love;
Asking for mercy is obsolete"?

No, my Father in Heaven explains,
When coming before His throne,
My deepest need is mercy—
Without which I stand alone.